AN ANALYSIS OF PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES OF TEACHEREDUCATORS REGARDING USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

Abstract

In the 21st century the most urgent priorities of all of the Government of the
world is the use of technology in teaching and learning. The integration of technology
in classroom instruction provides an effective teaching-learning environment. Central
to this study was the utilization of Constructivist theory. The core objective of this
research was to investigate the relationship between teacher-educators’ perceptions
& practices towards the technological use in classroom instruction in Punjab,
Pakistan. The study was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. To complete this
study, thirteen (13) public universities of Punjab, Pakistan were selected. For
quantitative data out of one hundred and eighty-eight (188) teacher-educators, a
sample of one hundred and thirty-two (132) teacher-educators was selected through
stratified random sampling technique. However for qualitative data the chairpersons
of the Education department of thirteen (13) universities were selected. A 5- point
Rating Scale was prepared and administered to teacher-educators. To strengthen the
views of teacher-educators, a semi-structured interview protocol from the
chairpersons of the Department of Education was used to record the perceptions of
chairpersons regarding the use of technology. Numerical data was analyzed by using
mean scores and correlation and qualitative data was analyzed by thematic analysis
techniques. From analysis, it was inferred that majority of teacher-educators have
perception about technology & they use it in classroom teaching & learning. The
value of correlation coefficient between perception and practice was found moderate.
This shows that two variables (construct) of tool are positively correlated with each
other. Data collected by the chairpersons of the education department revealed that
most of the teacher-educators of their respective departments are highly motivated in
the use of technology. Few recommendations were given by the researcher too in the
light of findings and conclusions of the study.